Royal Reactions, World Cup Drama
Prince Harry Honored at TIME100 Gala, Expresses Heartbreak Over England's World Cup Defeat
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Key Points
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Prince Harry attended the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City solo, without his wife Meghan Markle.
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On the red carpet, Harry was photographed with other sporting stars, including LeBron James, Lindsey Vonn, Jalen Brunson and Folarin Balogun.
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The semi-final match was held in Atlanta: England led 1-0 through Anthony Gordon at 55 minutes, Enzo Fernandez equalized five minutes from time, and Lautaro Martinez headed the winner in stoppage time.
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Lionel Messi did not score in the semi-final but assisted on two late goals that helped Argentina complete the comeback to 2-1 and reach the final.
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William's social media reaction included the post: “Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Hold your heads high,” signed with his initial “W.”
Prince Harry attended the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City solo on Tuesday night, where he was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 in the leaders category, honored for his work with the Invictus Games. On the red carpet, he stood alongside LeBron James, Lindsey Vonn, Jalen Brunson, and Folarin Balogun — but not Meghan Markle, who did not attend.
The gala came just hours after England's heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit. Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta, overturning a late lead with two goals in the final five minutes. Harry was asked about the loss on the red carpet. His answer was short: 'Of course' — two words that said it all, The Royal Observer reported.
How Argentina Broke English Hearts in Atlanta
England looked set for the final. Anthony Gordon put them ahead in the 55th minute, and they held that 1-0 lead deep into the second half. Then Argentina struck twice in four minutes. Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martinez headed the winner in stoppage time. Final score: Argentina 2, England 1.
Lionel Messi did not score, but he was central to both late goals, providing the key assists that turned the match. Argentina will now face Spain in the final — to be played in New York. England's second World Cup title hopes are over.
William Posts on X, Harry Speaks at Gala
Both princes reacted publicly within hours of the final whistle. Prince William posted on X: 'Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Hold your heads high.' He signed the message with his initial, 'W.' It was a short, warm note to a squad that came so close.
Harry spoke at the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York just hours later. He said England's late collapse left him heartbroken, Express reported. He pointed to the dramatic comeback as the source of his sadness — England had led for so long before losing it in the final minutes.
TIME100 Gala Puts Harry's Invictus Work in Spotlight
Harry's TIME recognition falls in the leaders category — a nod to his decade-long push to grow the Invictus Games, a sports competition for wounded veterans. The gala gave him a high-profile platform in New York, just days after a week spent in Britain promoting the Games, AOL reported.
The night blended two sides of Harry's public life: veterans' advocate and royal football fan. He has kept a lower profile since stepping back from senior royal duties, but events like this — and a World Cup exit — pull him back into the public conversation. He attended alone, without Meghan, Daily Mail reported.
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